More than 110,000 people have so far been through the gates of one of Australia’s longest-running festivals, deemed “more important than ever” this year.
Now in its 38th year, the festival at “Woodfordia” — a makeshift town that comes to life for the annual event near Woodford, north-west of Brisbane — has more than 450 artists performing across six days.
Woodford Folk Festival 2025 was filled with lots of colour and fun. (Supplied: Woodford Folk Festival)
Visitor numbers are already up about 10 per cent on last year, according to festival director Amanda Jackes.
But one familiar face is missing this year — founder Bill Hauritz, who passed away on December 8 after battling a long illness.
The 73-year-old, who was honoured at this year’s festival opening, was a “pathological optimist” and left an unwavering legacy, Ms Jackes said.
“He couldn’t see roadblocks. He just had incredible big ideas and dreams.”
With several major festivals cancelled in recent years, Ms Jackes said the 2025 event was “more important than ever”.
Amanda Jackes says we need to embrace live music and events. (ABC News: Owen Jacques)
“Woodford is a place where dreams are seeded, and the future is about making those dreams become a real opportunity,” she said.
Escape after ‘tough year’
Australian artist Katie Noonan said she had attended Woodfordia for 30 years, but this event was a much-needed escape for festival-goers after a “tough year”.
“I’ve never needed Woodford more than I needed it now,” Noonan said.
“It’s all about belonging and community, and the world has been so broken in many ways, personally for me but also globally.”
Katie Noonan has enjoyed watching new artists perform at Woodford. (ABC News: Madeline Grace)
The singer-songwriter said she had enjoyed discovering other artists at Woodfordia.
“Everyone has a story to tell, and everyone has a song to sing,” she said.
“The wonderful thing about Woodford is that they are about supporting Australian independent artists.”
For the younger generation
The five-time Aria-winning artist said she particularly enjoyed seeing young people lean into the celebrations.
Among the many young ones at this year’s event were 12-year-old musicians Keanu and Ezra, who attended the festival for the first time this year alongside their parents.
Ezra (left) and Keanu dream of one day performing at Woodfordia. (ABC News: Madeline Grace)
“Just being with the community and hanging out with people that I love and listening to music,” Keanu said.
“I love seeing other people’s music … you get inspired by all the other bands.”
Keanu said he dreamt of one day performing on the big stage at Woodfordia.
“I want to be famous,” he said.
Gathapura Mununggurr, the drummer from the Andrew Gurruwiwi Band, valued the connection with younger generations.
“We want to build a good relationship and leave a pathway so the next generation can come to this festival,” he said.
Mununggurr travelled six hours to play at the festival.
Gathapura Mununggurr and Andrew Minyapa Gurruwiwi at Woodford Folk Festival 2025. (ABC News: Madeline Grace)
“People coming in from around the world and sharing their culture and their songs and stories … it’s really good,” he said.
“It’s all about your culture, your language, and understanding to send a message to people about where we come from and who we are.”
‘People and culture’
The event wraps up on New Year’s Day after six days of music, dance, circus, comedy, street theatre, and local food.
Melbourne visitor Clare Cremin has returned to the festival, embracing its “great vibe”.
“What Bill Hauritz has created here is just something spectacular,” she said.
Clare Cremin and Suzanne Doyle at this year’s festival. (ABC News: Madeline Grace)
Suzanne Doyle from Dublin said she was blown away by the lively celebrations.
“It’s a dream come true,” Ms Doyle said.
“I just hope it continues for a very long time to come.”
Woodford Folk Festival has fun for all ages. (Supplied: Woodford Folk Festival)
That is very much the plan, according to director Ms Jackes.
“We need to support our artists; we need to attend live music,” she said.
“We need to treat our artists as if they’re a sporting team and be their biggest fans.
“A world without art and a world without creative expression is a world without our humanity.”
